Ultrasound Tech Pay

Ashland vs Lexington: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Ashland, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ashland, KY
$83,712
$40.25/hr
Lexington, KY
$88,068
$42.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAshland, KYLexington, KY
Median Salary$83,712$88,068
Hourly Rate$40.25$42.34
Entry Level (P10)$60,643$48,971
25th Percentile$70,144$79,338
75th Percentile$89,589$106,347
Top Earner (P90)$104,394$110,586
Total Employed4120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ashland ($83,712) and Lexington ($88,068) ultrasound technologist salaries.AshlandLexingtonMedian Salary$83,712$88,068Entry Level (P10)$60,643$48,971Top Earner (P90)$104,394$110,586US Median $101,352

Verdict

Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.

The salary gap between Ashland and Lexington is $4,356 (5.20%). Lexington's median is -13.11% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $43,751,Lexington spans $61,615. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Ashland
P10 (Entry)$60,643
P25$70,144
Median$83,712
P75$89,589
P90 (Top)$104,394
Lexington
P10 (Entry)$48,971
P25$79,338
Median$88,068
P75$106,347
P90 (Top)$110,586

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($94,810 effective) pays 1.14% more than Ashland ($93,742 effective).

Ashland
Nominal: $83,712
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $93,742
Lexington
Nominal: $88,068
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $94,810

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ashland if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,068/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($110,586)
  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,810)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Ashland grew 30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Lexington over the same period.

Ashland, KY

+30.4%

$61,166 (2024) → $79,779 (2025)

Lexington, KY

+25.8%

$66,740 (2019) → $83,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Ashland or Lexington?

Lexington has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $88,068/year, compared to Ashland at $83,712/year — a difference of $4,356 (5.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Lexington?

Ashland ultrasound technologists earn $40.25/hr while Lexington hygienists earn $42.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ashland to Lexington as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ashland and Lexington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ashland = $93,742, Lexington = $94,810), job availability (4 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Ashland vs Lexington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $60,643 in Ashland and $48,971 in Lexington. The Ashland area offers higher starting salaries.
RP

Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT

Career Analyst

Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov